1 minute read
Two weekends left for 2023 Colorado Renaissance Festival
Signature event in Larkspur wrapping up 46th season
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When patrons cross the threshold of the Colorado Renaissance Festival castle gate they are transported to a world where knights ght to the death, royalty glide down the village streets, fairies utter about and witches eat children.
Kristy Ekiss, operations manager and Queen Anne of the festival, said the 16th-century medieval amusement park is about to complete its 46th season of operation. Patrons can visit the park for the last times this year on July 29-30 and Aug. 6-7.
Ekiss said this season has been wonderful and, like previous years, has had a great response from people.
With around 100 cast members, the Colorado Renaissance Festival is unique in that it’s very interactive with visitors, Ekiss said.
“We try very hard to achieve a fully immersive experience where everywhere you look, you’re being pulled into the scene and you’re being made part of the village rather than just walking through and experiencing it,” she said. “I think we try very hard to make everyone apart of the show.”
She said there is something for everyone in the permanent village structure that sits on 80-plus acres of land.
“We have over 10 stages of nonstop entertainment. ere is always a show going on at every single one of those stages and we have over 180 artisans that we hand select from all around the country that create everything from blacksmithing to swords to elaborate court costumes to anything you can think of,” Ekiss said.
Ekiss said the same family has owned the park since its opening in 1977.
Ekiss, who lives in Colorado Springs and grew up going to Renaissance fairs, has been on sta and in the cast for 17 years. For her, the best aspect of being a part of the festival is performing for children.
Eric Mindykowski, who performs as eodore Wenglewick, the Duke of Larkspur, acts as the casting director and lowed
